Navigation Practice Two - Sat 4 Dec.

[mike f]

As a follow up to the successful Navigation day at Hamsterley, we will be running another opportunity to practice map reading and compass skills on Sat. 4 Dec.

You do not need to have attended the first day to participate, everyone is welcome whatever your skill level.
Even competent navigators need to practice and can help by passing on their skills to the less able.
Post up if you are interested in coming, I need to know numbers so that I can prepare enough maps etc.

So far interest from :
Nadine
Duncan
Les
Sharon.

I will have to recce the course before the 4 Dec, (probably on Sat 13 Nov, but could be 20th), if you cannot make the 4th you can always practice your skills by giving me a hand with the recce. Post or PM me if you want to help with the recce, let me know which date you can do.

Mike

[mike f]

HELP REQUIRED

I am now looking to do recce on Sat 13th, as I am trying to keep the following weekend free to go on a backpack with Steve as part of his training for S.America.

I could do with a second person to help check out the route for Sat 4 Dec

[garyb]

hi mike can you put me down for sat 4 th please

[pennyswaine]

I could help Dec 4th if needed...How's it panning out?

[mike f]

If I am right the following are coming

Nadine
Duncan
Les
Sharon
Gary
Sue

Meet at Bollihope Quarry parking area, Grid 006340, just South of Frosterley. At 0930.
Take the A689 to Frosterley, go through the village, just before you leave the village there is a turn on the right, Pass the station, and the Black Bull pub, over the bridge up the hill to Hill End, pass through Hill End then after about 1Km the road descends into the valley of Bollihope Burn. There is a parking area just before the bridge. If there is still snow the place will be full of families with sledges.

I may have to adjust the plan a bit, depending on conditions - one of the waypoints I recced will be buried on snow at the moment.
In theory we should be off the hill well before dark, but bring head torches - it is a DMS outing after all !

Plans may have to change depending on the weather conditions, so check the forum later in the week:
Plan B is bring crampons and a pair of ice tools, to a have a play on the quarry walls
Plan C is go to the pub

[maria]

Hi
Can you put my name down as well?

See you all on Saturday,
Maria

[garyb]

mike plan b/c looks good

[susanr]

I'm up for going if it's still on - guess it depends on where we're planning to park. If it's still too snowy to do the nav day, anyone fancy doing a pub walk down there instead?

Sue

[pennyswaine]

If the walk is dog friendly and we can get there I'd be up for it.

[swest]

We would still be up for a walk if we can get there

Sharon and Les

[mike f]

Weather and road conditions seem to be a bit variable at the moment, but the forecast for Saturday hints that it might be more stable. So see what to tomorrow brings. Anyone have any local information on conditions out there/

[mike m]

The road into Weardale is ok as far as Wolsingham, it then gets iffy (compacted ice and slush) as far as Westgate, driving in 2nd & 3rd gear. Beyond that is unknown, but not recommended! Once you're off the main road a tracked vehicle is probably best!

Again the usual problem is finding anywhere to park - even in Stanhope High St!

That's this mornings conditions, as reported by my boss who lives in Westgate.

Hope that helps.

[mike f]

Thanks Mike

In view of the likely road conditions, beyond Wolsingham, I propose we bin the Nav Practice for tomorrow.
As there seems to be a view to go for a walk, I suggest we pick something closer to home, adjacent to a major route.
Any suggestions

Mike

[kirstyrichardson]

Ill be up for doing something tomorrow seems so Edinburgh is now cancelled.

[swest]

Hi

I have 3 suggestions either walk around the river bank in Durham or a walk in Castle Eden Dene. Or a coastal walk from Seaham along the cliff tops. The roads around Castle Eden were fine this morning in fact better condition that the A1.

Sharon